Hungary, Austria & the Romantic Danube by Cruise

Framed by rolling hillsides, lush vineyards, and medieval castles, the Danube River has captivated musicians, artists and poets throughout the centuries. Cruise to legendary destinations with 7 nights on the timeless Danube River between Vilshofen and Budapest. Explore a 2,000 year-old city and visit Europe’s largest pipe organ; savor local wines throughout the Wachau Valley and have your senses heightened with the timeless beauty and rich history of Vienna and Budapest.

Itinerary

Budapest

Hotel Gellert

Day 1: Budapest

A transfer between the airport and the city or your hotel with a private vehicle and driver is provided.

Accommodation: Gellert (4*)

Castle Hill

Day 2: Budapest

Enjoy a full city tour of Budapest with your own guide and car. On the Pest side, visit the impressive Heroes’ Square, City Park, Széchenyi Spa, Grand Circus, and view the Vajdahunyad castle. The tour continues along Andrássy Avenue with its stately mansions. Take the opportunity and visit the impressive House of Parliament. After a walk around the largest building of Hungary, see the magnificent neo-gothic Parliament inside with a guide and walk along the splendid boardrooms and impressive staircases. Entrance fees to Matthias Church, Fisherman's Bastion and Parliament are included in the tour price).

Accommodation: Gellert (4*)

Godollo Palace

Day 3: Budapest

Visit the former summer-residence of Queen Elisabeth (Sissi) and Francis Joseph in Godollo, one of the largest baroque palaces in the world. You will have a glimpse of the times under the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Take a break to enjoy coffee and cake at the Palace Cafe.

Accommodation: Gellert (4*)

Danube River

Ama River Cruiser

Day 4: Budapest - Danube Cruise

Meet your private vehicle and driver for a port transfer.

This afternoon, you'll embark on your awaiting luxury cruise ship prior to a welcome cocktail & dinner which will be served on board.

Port charges are included in your itinerary pricing.

Accommodation: MS AmaSonata/Prima/Certo/Bella/Dolce/Serena

Fisherman’s Bastion

Day 5: Danube Cruise

Embark on a sightseeing tour which takes you to historic Buda Castle from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the famous Heroes’ Square and much more.

Accommodation: MS AmaSonata/Prima/Certo/Bella/Dolce/Serena

Soviet War Memorial

Day 6: Bratislava, Slovakia - Danube Cruise

Today you can choose between a walking tour of Bratislava which includes the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. In the alternative, you can take a “Communist History Tour” of Bratislava, which includes architectural landmarks such as the Radio Building, Liberty Square and Soviet War Memorial. There will also be time to explore on your own.

Accommodation: MS AmaSonata/Prima/Certo/Bella/Dolce/Serena

Schönbrunn Palace

Opera House

Day 7: Vienna, Austria - Danube Cruise

During today's city tour of Vienna, you will see the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse with it's grand architectural surrounds, and the historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world, this tour will help you discover part of what makes Vienna so special.

Optional:Should you decide to partake, you may join a tour to Schönbrunn Palace, a former imperial 1,400-room Rococo summer residence in Vienna. The Palace and Gardens have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and remains one of the primary tourist attractions in Vienna.

To book this tour, please contact your sales specialist.

Optional:If you are so inclined, you will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional Mozart and Strauss concert in the “Music Capital of the World.”

To participate in this activity, please contact your sales specialist.

Accommodation: MS AmaSonata/Prima/Certo/Bella/Dolce/Serena

Wine Tasting

Baroque Stiftskirche

Day 8: Krems, Austria - Melk, Austria - Danube Cruise

You will have the choice of two excursions to partake in. The first is a motor coach ride to Dürnstein, where you will take a walking tour of the town’s medieval cobblestone streets, passing by 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. Marvel at the magnificent blue facade of the Baroque Stiftskirche high above town. As an alternative, a guided bike tour may be on offer from Krems to Dürnstein and back (capacity controlled).

It's now time to enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery. Enjoy several different wines, presented along with bread, knowledgeable hosts, and plenty of laughter.

In Melk, a guided tour will take you to the city’s magnificent 11th century Benedictine abbey, Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries. You'll find this majestic structure perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube and beautiful Wachau valley.

Accommodation: MS AmaSonata/Prima/Certo/Bella/Dolce/Serena

Gmunden Town

St. Mary’s Cathedral

Day 9: Linz, Austria - Danube Cruise

After arriving in Linz, the second largest city in Austria, enjoy a group walking tour which guides you along the Landstrasse, to the city’s Main Square where you will see St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Marian Column, the Landes Theatre and St. Martin’s Church, the oldest church in Austria.

There is plenty to do as you have the choice of three different excursions to partake in. The first option is a visit to the scenic “Salzkammergut” region, the Austrian Lake District, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the historic town of Gmunden, on the shore of Lake Traunsee. The second option is to join an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. This is a wonderfully preserved medieval town, nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. The third choice is an excursion to Salzburg, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center, famous as the setting for the “Sound of Music” and as the birthplace of Mozart. Enjoy free time on your own, before returning to the ship.

Accommodation: MS AmaSonata/Prima/Certo/Bella/Dolce/Serena

St. Stephan’s Cathedral

Day 10: Passau, Germany - Danube Cruise

Take your pick between two different excursions. The first option is to take a walking tour through this 2,000-year-old fairy tale city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture. Walk the cobblestone streets of the Old Town where you will see the city fortifications and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, which is home to the largest cathedral organ in the world. As an alternative, there may be an opportunity to experience this majestic city on a guided bike tour along the Inn River to Weinstein (capacity controlled).

Accommodation: MS AmaSonata/Prima/Certo/Bella/Dolce/Serena

Salzburg

Castellani Parkhotel, Salzburg

Day 11: Vilshofen, Germany - Vilshofen - Salzburg

Meet your driver for a private port transfer from Vilshofen to Salzburg.

Discover Salzburg, known as the town of Mozart's, and its historical buildings that feature interesting architectural attributes. This city was once Mozart’s home town and some say you can still hear the tones of the musical ‘The Magic Flute’ and other famous compositions sounding from Salzburg’s alleyways and historic walls. Your private guide will provide with insight into the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque aspects of the city as Mozart saw it. You will end the tour with a visit to the newly reopened Mozart Residence on Makart Square. The lodging, also referred to as “the dancing master’s house” (Tanzmeisterhause) was first inhabited by a dancing master that educated youngsters, taught them how to dance and behave, before Mozart moved in.

Accommodation: Castellani Parkhotel (4*)

Day 12: Salzburg

Enjoy a private transfer from the airport to your hotel with a vehicle and driver in Salzburg.

What's Included:

Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services - Use of bicycles during calls-to-port for individual exploration - Port charges

What's not Included:

Trip Terms & Conditions

Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price). The balance is due 120 days prior to departure.

Cancellations of confirmed bookings 120 days or more after booking will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-119 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 75% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.

Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary

Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.

Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.

Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

Hotels

Hotel Gellert

Hotel Gellert

Gellert (4*) - Budapest

Hotel Gellert is a prominent fixture seated in the center of Budapest. With classic architecture and an old world charm, the hotel promises 233 rooms, each with well-preserved, solid furniture and fabrics from a time past. Accommodations are spacious, dazzling guests with spectacular views of the Danube from balconies. Hungarian cuisine is in abundance at the hotel restaurants. Dine in a casual environment with the family, or sit doewn to a gypsy ochestra at the lively Panorama Restaurant. Cakes and pastries are savoured at the Gellert Espresso. For those who need a break from delicious meals, spend some time using a range of facilities, from a whirlpool, Jacuzzi, to the outdoor swimming pool. Otherwise, book a massage with a specialist.

Castellani Parkhotel (4*) - Salzburg

The Castellani Parkhotel Salzburg offers a hotel in a peaceful setting yet right beside the heart of the city, with large gardens, classic elegance and modern architecture and decoration. The traditional manor houses, built in the 1800s have been kept intact to create a warm and welcoming environment, though combined with original lighting and design elements to give it a bit more edge. The hotel impresses with the highest level of hospitality, in an environment that combines international trends and regional charm – a special flair unparalleled in all of Salzburg. The rooms feature elegant wooden furniture, leather armchairs, air-conditioning and free internet access.